The Indian Lake Middle School Builders Club is supporting a program that will help further serve and protect the Indian Lake community.
ILMS Builders Club members recently presented Washington Township Police Chief Rick Core and Officer Michael Thompson a check for $500 to go toward the department's effort to fund a K-9 unit.
Builders Club advisor Sarah Berg says all 75 of her 7th and 8th grade service club members wanted to give to this program when she suggested it.
"It was instant and unanimous. They are really excited about supporting these officers who they see in our schools everyday."
Washington Township Police plan to have their K-9 unit operational this summer. Chief Rick Core says right now fundraising efforts are underway to pay for the dog, equipment, training for Officer Thompson, and a special cruiser to carry the canine. Chief Core says they are grateful for the donation because the K-9 unit is needed.
He told students, "You know the drug problem in our area has quadrupled in recent years. We get drugs out of cars everyday."
Berg explains that Builders Club members raised the money throughout the year with proceeds from their dance, a snack bar in the office and Box Tops dollars.
So far Washington Township has raised about $20,000, which will cover the cost of the dog, officer training and initial lease of the vehicle. The goal is to raise a total of $70,00 to pay for the cruiser and continued training.
They have set up a Go Fund Me account at
https://www.gofundme.com/washington-township-police-k9-program for anyone who would life to support the effort.
Officer Thompson and Chief Core look forward to introducing the dog to students next school year.